Review of Friday Night (2002) by Andy D — 20 Apr 2007

After watching Beau Travail and Friday Night, it is clear that Claire Denis is one of the most talented filmmakers working today, period. Beau Travail was a masterpiece, a perfect dissection of the male ego and examination of the dehumanization in an extreme-military environment.

With that being said, I was even more impressed with Friday Night. Once again, Denis portrays a character trapped and suffocated by their environment. Only this time, she adds touches of surrealism that are playful and ultimately, liberating.

The cinematography is breathtaking. I've an avid people-watcher, and Denis captures this element perfectly as we follow one character's escapades through just one "typical" night. Ultimately, I believe the film is optimistic, showing that we sometimes get too tied down by daily routine to notice the beautiful in life.

I know I've been light on plot details, but these are just my gut reactions. I look forward to checking out the rest of Denis' work.